The PRC-Saltillo offices will be closed on Sep 01 in observance of the holiday. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.
Join us for the second MidAtlantic Summit. Come learn, collaborate and get hands-on training as you explore AAC devices and participate in engaging, thought-provoking discussions. Guest speakers will provide topics that include AAC and Gestalt Language Processors (GLP), AAC and Deaf/Hard of Hearing population, sensory integration and AAC, and AT Loan library exploration. Your toolbox will be full of new ideas to begin using right away!
Topics covered:
GLP and AAC, Knowledge from the Past Five Years: Five years ago, the pandemic coupled with the Neurodiversity movement catapulted gestalt language processing into the Speech Language Pathology world. This presentation will highlight what we know, what we think we know, and what we still don’t know about gestalt language processing. Best practices on how to optimally support AAC users who may be gestalt language processors will be discussed.
AAC and Deaf/HOH- Learn the features that would be most beneficial for device users that are Deaf/HOH. Explore techniques and strategies to help these individuals be successful with their devices.
AAC and Sensory integration- The “Breaking Through: Sensory Support to Communication Success” is a one-of-a-kind course that provide instruction on recognizing sensory needs of the individuals you serve, and the important of addressing sensory and AAC needs together. Gain hands-on experience learning a variety of sensory & communication strategies to improve self-regulation, communication, and well-being.
NJ Assistive Technology Lending library – Learn about loan options to trial devices and get a tour and hands on with their loan library.
AAC Hands On –Explore AAC devices, ask questions and discover options for your clients with your regional PRC-Saltillo Consultants.
Learner Outcomes:
Agenda:
15 minutes - Welcome and Introduction
90 minutes - Session 1- Breaking Through: Sensory Support to Communication Success
90 minutes - Session 2 – AAC Candidacy and Implementation for DHH Individuals
Lunch - Hands-on Breakout Session(s) available with Consultant-lead stations for: all product lines, access, online resources, vocabularies, funding questions, implementation
30 minutes - NJ AT info/presentation
90 minutes - Session 3 – GLP and AAC, Knowledge from the Past Five Years
15 minutes - Questions/wrap up
Please note the following details regarding this course:
Instructor bio and disclosures
Guest Speakers:
Elizabeth Bortz, M.S., CCC-SLP
Elizabeth Bortz is a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist with a rich background spanning private practice, healthcare settings, and public schools. A graduate of Elon University, the University of Maryland, and Loyola College in Maryland, her journey into AAC was sparked early—volunteering at a summer camp for children with special needs and later working as a nanny for a child with complex communication needs. These experiences ignited a deep commitment to supporting individuals with diverse communication needs.
For over a decade, Elizabeth served as lead SLP for a Maryland school district, where she helped implement the SETT framework, conducted AAC evaluations, and mentored teams across disciplines. Her collaboration with Occupational Therapists shaped her unique lens—championing the integration of sensory processing strategies into AAC interventions.
Now an AAC Consultant serving the state of Maryland, Elizabeth empowers educators, families, and clinicians with hands-on strategies that address both sensory and language needs. She is also the author of a growing collection of children's books aimed at supporting communication and sensory development in inclusive and accessible ways.
Elizabeth holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and is an active member of ASHA’s Special Interest Division 12 (AAC).
Kate Flaxman M.S., CCC-SLP
Kate is an Augmentative Communication Specialist with Advancing Opportunities. She has been practicing as a Speech Language Pathologist for over 17 years. She has had a diversified experience working with individuals with complex communication needs who benefit from AAC in early intervention, schools, adult placement settings, homes, and employment. She strives to promote communication for the purpose of improving lives through interactions with parents, peers, caregivers, school personnel, and community members.
Quinn Kelly MS., CCC-SLP, TSSLD
Quinn Kelly is a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist, American Sign Language (ASL), licensed in both New York and New Jersey. She currently practices at The Way You Say LLC, a private practice based in northern New Jersey, and also serves as a content expert and AAC consultant for Language First. Quinn primarily supports students developing expressive and receptive language skills through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
She specializes in working with Deaf Plus individuals and has experience with both neurotypical and complex communicators, utilizing various bilingual approaches that integrate ASL and AAC. Quinn has presented and published about AAC use with d/Deaf individuals at national and international conferences. She is a member of NJSHA’s AAC Committee where she works with other professionals on local and state-wide awareness/legislative projects. She holds an ASL-PI certificate from Gallaudet University.
Session Dates:
